World’s first resort hospital opens in gambling hub Macau

Macau, long celebrated as the world’s premier gambling destination, is now setting its sights on becoming a global leader in healthcare tourism. In a groundbreaking move, the city’s Studio City, a Hollywood-themed casino and entertainment resort owned by Hong Kong-based Melco Resorts and Entertainment, has launched its first-ever resort hospital. This innovative facility, opened in collaboration with Hong Kong’s iRad Hospital, specializes in health screenings, advanced MRI scans, and cosmetic procedures, offering a seamless blend of luxury medical services and leisure. Lawrence Ho, CEO of Melco Resorts, emphasized that this project is designed to promote medical tourism, generate employment, and integrate healthcare with entertainment under one roof. The initiative aligns with Macau’s broader economic diversification strategy, which seeks to reduce the city’s reliance on gaming and expand into sectors like healthcare, technology, and events. With nearly 40 million annual visitors, Macau presents a unique opportunity to emerge as a top destination for medical tourism, according to iRad’s honorary chairman, Dennis Tam. The global medical tourism industry, valued at tens of billions of dollars, is poised for significant growth, with Asia leading the charge. Countries like South Korea and Singapore have already established themselves as hubs for cosmetic surgeries and advanced medical treatments, while Turkey attracts millions for procedures such as transplants and dentistry. Macau’s latest venture marks a pivotal step in its transformation into a multifaceted tourism powerhouse.